Snow Alert: Harford County Under Winter Storm Warning

The National Weather Service upgraded its alert in Harford County to a winter storm warning, effective from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

A winter storm warning means "severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring," according to the National Weather Service. "Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous."

Approximately 4 to 9 inches of snow are in the forecast for Aberdeen on Tuesday.

The winter storm warning applies to Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, St. Mary's and Calvert counties in Maryland as well as some parts of Virginia.

The weather service said people should not travel Tuesday during the warning period unless there is an emergency, and drivers should keep a flashlight, food and water in their vehicles if they must be on the road.

After Tuesday's snow, the weather service said "bitterly cold conditions are expected." Temperatures will be -13 with wind chill in Aberdeen Tuesday evening.

The earlier winter storm watch expired when the weather service upgraded its alert Monday afternoon to a winter storm warning.

Previous version published at 8:45 a.m. Monday: The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for much of the Baltimore-Washington area, including Harford County.

A winter storm watch means there is the "potential for significant snow accumulations that may impact travel," according to the weather service.

In Aberdeen, the forecast calls for 3 to 7 inches of snow.

According to the National Weather Service, most will fall late Tuesday morning and early Tuesday afternoon, and roads will be snow-covered and slippery. Winds will be blowing, which could reduce visibility.

And get ready for another arctic blast. The high will be 24 degrees in Aberdeen Tuesday, with wind chills of -13, according to the forecast. Temperatures won't get above freezing until the weekend.

The storm watch is in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday for Harford, Baltimore, Cecil, Carroll, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery, Howard, St. Mary's, Charles, Talbot, Queen Anne's and Calvert counties in Maryland as well as some parts of Virginia.

Is a "snow day" in order? In Harford County, there's no question; students have the day off Tuesday for staff development.